I would think that Charlotte will be the city for the pro soccer future. Raleigh is heavily surrounded by ACC universities where sports like basketball, lacrosse, and soccer are big. Now with the ACC having evolved into a major college football conference as well will also be sitting at center stage. Now the NHL works better in Raleigh as a pro sport with ACC and college hockey not. It also gave the Raleigh Area the modern PNC Arena in getting built having a major pro sports tenant in the Hurricanes to go with NC State mens basketball. With all the modern bells and whistles and large capacity as a great site for major sports and entertainment events. regular site for NCAA basketball and big time concerts.
It was. Though I don't know why the word "independence," taken out of the idea that there was a women's team of that name, would specifically evoke that. It's neither a masculine nor feminine name.
It does sound like a women's team. Charlotte did have the W-League Lady Eagles under the old non profit ownership. Is the new ownership group also purchasing the Women's side as well? With the re-brand the Women's club could be the Independence. Like the USLPro Charlotte looking to take the step to the MLS in the future. Charlotte could also be a great location for the W-League club to also take the step to the NWSL as well in the future. Carolina has a good Women's soccer presence as well especially at the NCAA Level. Charlotte being the main pro sports city in the Carolina's having the Men's/Women's brother sister set up aiming at the highest pro levels. With a NWSL Carolina club having the reno'd American Legion stadium a third pro tenant.
My opinion is that Charlotte should worry about a USL Pro team first and a women's team much much later. Just like Orlando.
Are they talking about a women's team? I agree, they would be putting the cart before the horse. But I had not heard they were also considering a women's team.
No clue why I thought it, just sounds like a women's team name. Just doesn't sound like a good team name to me either -- which may be something I attribute to many women's teams (not to be sexist).
Certainly securing the USL Pro side first would be wise. Down the road as the organization develops along with the stadium. There does seem to be a need for support other then the NCAA programs.
Kenn, you are slipping. Consider the source. CFL Steve just chatters away with the same BS no matter what thread it happens to be. He is nothing but consistent. Charlotte is saying what nearly every other minor league owner does and says their real goal is MLS. So that is all it takes to get old Stevo wound up and chattering about academies, womens teams, etc.
The "professional" part is the key section of that sentence. The club will continue to exist, obviously. The pro part will not. And they have been a professional club longer than almost anyone. Far longer than they had a right to. That's what's unfortunate.
We'll find out a ton a week from tomorrow. I'm also hearing Charlotte Independence will be the name but I don't like that because when I hear "Charlotte Independence" I instantly think of the big high school in Charlotte that used to be a football powerhouse. I wish they would just roll with Queen City Soccer Club. Either way I'm excited about this new direction for Charlotte Soccer. I never cared for the Charlotte Eagles, but this new team has my full support. I will buy a jersey and scarf, I would buy season tickets but I'm in college right now too far from Charlotte to get my moneys worth. My dream is MLS soccer in Charlotte, and Memorial Stadium would be a perfect venue. I can't wait to do my part and give this team my full support and hope that one day they'll become an MLS team. #PrepareToDeclare Once I find out the official team name Liverpool FC won't be showing up beside "My club" anymore.
You are certainly not the first person who has expressed that sentiment, and I wonder if that would be problematic with them. That doesn't appear to be happening. Not without a whoooooooooole bunch of renovation, it wouldn't. Not in MLS in 2024 or whenever it might be, certainly.
What kind of renovation are you hearing it needs? It already holds plenty of people for MLS, I'm hearing it mainly just needs some upgrades to improve the gameday environment. I hope they at least make it Charlotte Independence SC sounds like they'll also be able to get games broadcasted locally which would be huge
It appears that it is upgrades for game day experience is what will be taking place. With the MLL Lacrosse Charlotte playing there now and partnering placing both clubs under one synergy plan. The MLL Hounds went through the same thing when naming the club and chose the city name over Queen City or Carolina. Also likely why the Charlotte Independence is on the board over QCFC at this point anyway. Local TV coverage also likely with the MLL Hounds already involved with local network both clubs packaged together
Actually, there is a need. I'm pretty sure MLS, the NASL, and the ASL are the only three US leagues to allow a team to not have an American-style nickname.
They must have changed the rule recently, because as recently as Orlando City (Lions) joining the league, the requirement was in place.
damn...I am going to be out of town next Wednesday and cannot make it to Hoolligans, but holy crap this is starting to really get me excited. like fidelcashflo said - I cannot wait to post the Charlotte club name as "my club".
They were probably waiting for the Eagles' season to end before making any announcements. Ugh, American Legion Memorial Stadium... Just looked it up, it's pretty much built for handegg. I'd love to find out how lacrosse is working out there, much less how soccer will turn out.